Kigali, 19 January 2009 (FH) – The Gacaca courts (semi-traditional courts) are scheduled to end in June this year at all levels, according to an official source in Kigali. Inspired by Rwandan tradition, the gacaca courts (pronounced “gatchatchas”) are charged with trying people in Rwanda suspected to have taken part in the 1994 killing spree against Tutsis.
All trials before the gacaca, in appeal and revision, will be concluded by the end of June 2009, according to the schedule of the National Service of Gacaca Courts (SNJG).
During 2008, the gacaca courts tried 68,408 cases. The year was also marked by an amendment of the law which widened the jurisdiction of the gacaca to rape cases.
According to SNJG, on November 30, 2008 nearly 5,000 cases remained unattended and it is expected these will be tried until June 2009.
SRE/ER/MM/NI/GF
Source: Hirondelle News Agency
